It took a global pandemic for others to see what we’ve always known — educators are essential. We can’t thank you enough for all you do to support students and shape their futures. We’re in awe of how quickly you responded to the COVID-19 crisis, adapting to remote learning and helping your students and their families navigate this unprecedented time. We’re glad we’ve been able to help, providing guidance and information through the COVID-19 FAQs on our website, individual advice from our staff attorneys to the many members who've called with concerns, and updates on our social media feeds. While we don’t yet know what classrooms and schools will look like in the fall, we do know that you’ll continue to innovate and adapt, and we’ll be here to support you every step of the way.

COVID-19 NEWS

TEA offers guidance on graduation ceremonies

Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Education Agency released guidance this week about graduation ceremonies for the class of 2020.

TEA outlined four options for schools to honor graduating seniors: completely virtual ceremonies, hybrid ceremonies, vehicle ceremonies and outdoor in-person ceremonies. Indoor in-person ceremonies are not allowed at this time. Districts should consult with legal counsel to make sure plans are allowed under current state and local orders. Participation by a student or family member is voluntary.

After releasing Phase 1 of the Texas Home Learning Model in mid-April, TEA has now released an overview of Phase 2. Districts have the option to use it to engage students this summer and help mitigate learning loss from COVID-19 disruptions. Phase 2 includes learning plans and schedules shortened to four weeks, organized by subject, and simplified for parents. Districts can choose daily or weekly plans and customize learning packets. Click here to read more.

Check out what's new in our COVID-19 FAQs

We continue to update our
FAQs about COVID-19 as new guidance emerges from TEA, the U.S. Department of Education, and state and federal officials. Here's what's new this week:

Keep in mind that our FAQ is not legal advice. Each school district will handle situations differently, so
we strongly encourage members who have specific questions or concerns to call us at 888-879-8282 so we can help. You also can submit general inquiries through our
Ask-a-Lawyer portal.

DECISIONS, DECISIONS

Teacher files grievance over reassignment, lower salary

A teacher filed a grievance with a school district, arguing that his reassignment from athletic director to DAEP teacher constituted an illegal demotion and a breach of his contract. The board of trustees denied the grievance, finding that the teacher had been reassigned due to a lack of administrator certification, and the teacher filed an appeal with the commissioner of education. Click here to read more.

Kendra Scott showed her appreciation for teachers this week by announcing a 20% discount for teachers on all purchases made in her jewelry stores with valid ID. The announcement came near the end of the
H-E-B Excellence in Education virtual ceremony, one of several online events hosted this week by #TeachersCan.
Click here to catch replays and check out the remaining events, including a concert finale featuring Randy Rogers, Wade Bowen, Sunny Sweeney and Parker McCollum.

USDE proposes stipends for teachers to self-select professional development

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos proposed a new funding priority in mid-April that would empower teachers to rethink their professional development. Under the proposal, teachers would receive stipends or vouchers to select and access professional development courses and opportunities that are relevant to their personal needs or career goals. TCTA submitted comments in support of the proposal, noting that teachers should be entrusted with professional judgment and discretion in determining their continuing learning needs. USDE is also seeking comment by May 26 on a similar program for special education teachers. Click here to read more.

USDE releases final regulations on Title IX for colleges, K-12

The U.S. Department of Education released final regulations on Title IX this week. The final campus sexual assault rules come two years after Education Secretary Betsy DeVos revoked Obama-era guidance and convened a negotiated rule making committee. Click here to read more.